Restaurant review: Foster’s Kitchen

Foster’s Kitchen (Kona) is located amongst the strip of restaurants on Ali’i Drive, with a picture-perfect view over the ocean. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with an extensive menu. They pride themselves on purchasing directly from local famers and producers with a commitment to certified-organic products where possible.

Foster’s Kitchen is currently open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm. We arrived midweek for an early lunch soon after opening and were among the first to be seated. The entire restaurant seating area is a patio space, with lovely views, and a breeze that comes right off the ocean. Note, there is some road noise from Ali’i Drive, especially if seated close to the road.

Make sure to take advantage of the free parking lot behind Foster’s Kitchen which is accessed via Kuakini Highway. The service we experienced on our visit was quick, friendly and efficient.

The menu

From bruschetta and marinated calamari appetizers, to ahi stir fry, fish tacos and shrimp & grits – Foster’s Kitchen has a large menu. They also have salads, burgers and sandwiches, plus an extensive children’s menu.

What we ordered

(Above) Fried Green Tomatoes – breaded green tomatoes, fried golden brown and served with a Cajun remoulade dipping sauce ($13).

(Above) Tomato Bisque Cup – Hot savory tomato bisque topped with avocado mousse and micro greens. Served with gourmet grilled cheese with caramelized Maui onions on sourdough bread ($10).

(Above) Seared Crab Cakes – traditional lump crab cakes served with Cajun remoulade, lilikoi slaw and microgreeens ($22).

(Above) Calamari – calamari marinated in fresh herbs, chardonnay, and garlic – lightly grilled. Served with grilled white truffle lemons and a herb-infused oil ($15).

(Above) Seafood Puff Pastry – puff pastry filled with a mixture of crab, shrimp, Macadamia nut pesto, and cheese, then baked golden brown, brushed with fresh pesto, and sprinkled with parmesan ($15).

(Above) Cheesecake – Graham cracker-crusted scratch-made no-bake cheese cake with a lilikoi topping. Finished with whipped cream and strawberries ($8).

(Above) Banana Pudding – buttery crispy puff pastry shell with house-made vanilla pudding and bananas, caramelized with local dark rum ($12).

Foster’s Kitchen was a relaxed dining experience. Some of the appetizers were more successful than others, in particular the calamari flavors didn’t quite gel, and the seared crab cakes came with a Cajun remoulade that was too hot, overpowering all the other flavors. However, the seafood puff pastry was delicious and the fried green tomatoes were also very tasty.

Foster’s Kitchen is a great place to have lunch or dinner in Kona with an ocean view. They also have another location in the Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa.

Foster's Kitchen Kona

75-5805 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona

Hawaii 96740

Ph. 808 326 1600

Hours: Mon – Sun, 11am – 10pm

https://www.fosterskitchen.com

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Almond Mini Cookies

These mini almond cookies are super easy to make and are the perfect snack to go with your morning coffee. The mix of almond with a dash of Amaretto, and a hint of vanilla, make for a delicious cookie.

Ingredients

5 egg whites
2 cups of powdered sugar
1 tablespoon of corn starch
5 cups of almond flour
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of Amaretto or Frangelico (or lemon juice instead of alcohol)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond essence


Coating

1 cup of powdered sugar
1 tablespoon of corn starch

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 320F (160C). Line 2 trays with baking paper.

In a bowl mix together the first measure of powdered sugar and corn starch.

Using an electric mixer, combine egg whites with the powdered sugar mixture in a large bowl. Whisk until frothy.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix using a wooden spoon.

Cute kitchen moment!

On duty during the making of the cookies, is assistant chef Ele – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via many cute poses. More Cleo and Ele

Measure out approximately one tablespoon of the mixture. Roll into a ball. Do this for the remaining amount of mixture. In a bowl mix together the second measure of powdered sugar and corn starch for the coating.

Roll each of the balls in the powdered sugar mixture, coating the entire surface.

Place the coated balls on the trays. Slightly pinch both sides of each ball and then push down in the center.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow biscuits to cool.

The recipe makes approximately 40 biscuits.

Almond and amaretto make for a great flavor combination. Enjoy!

How did your cookies turn out? Let us know in the comments below.

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Your guide to Big Island Farmers Markets

Kona Farmers Market 1
Photo credit: alohadreams.com

Make time during your stay on the Big Island to experience the best of the island’s locally grown produce, and locally made arts and crafts. Check out our guide to farmers markets on the Big Island, whether it’s a Saturday, Sunday or a midweek market.

1. Kailua Village Farmers Market

This market is located in central Kona near Kailua Bay. This used to be one of the busier markets on the Big Island with over 40 vendors, however the number of vendors have now drastically reduced and can fluctuate depending on the day of the week.

Kona Farmers Market 2
Photo credit: https://bit.ly/3993dpc
When and where?

The Kona Farmers market operates from Wednesday to Sunday between 7 – 4pm near the corner of Ali’i Drive and Hualalai Road.

2. Ali'i Gardens Marketplace

BIgIsland-POI-Alii-Garden-Marketplace-WM-6
Photo credit: hawaiianislands.com

Located near mile marker 2.5 on Ali’i Drive, the Alii Gardens Marketplace is not a farmers market but does sell crafts (although some are definitely not locally made). There are also a number of food vendors.

When and where?

This market runs every day except Monday between 10 – 5pm Wednesday, on Ali’i Drive near mile marker 2.5. 

3. The Pure Kona Green Market

Pure Kona Market 3
Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

This popular market is committed to providing locally sourced produce and goods, and handmade arts and crafts – with a special emphasis on products that contribute to sustainable living. The market’s motto is ‘From the Land, by Our Hand’ and has grown rapidly over the last few years and now boasts 80 vendors.

Even though it’s located in Captain Cook this is the best farmers market in the Kona area.

Pure Kona Market 4
Photo credit: afar.com

Amongst the abundance of local produce, including Kona coffee, honey and macadamia nuts is a large contingent of local arts and crafts vendors. Food stalls and live music make this a great day out for everyone.

Hot tip: The Pure Kona Green Market is the closest farmers market to Horizon Guest House, making it a great place to stock up on fresh fruit, or even some vegetables if you decide to grill out by the pool.

When and where?

The Pure Kona Green Market is held every Sunday from 9 – 2pm at the Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens, 82-6188 Mamalahoa Highway, directly opposite the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook.

4. Keauhou Farmers Market

Keauhou Farmers Market
Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

Held in the parking lot of the Keauhou Shopping Center, this is a small market with everything you need. Committed to selling only produce grown on the Big Island, you’ll find delicious honey, coffee, macadamia nuts, meat, eggs and fresh bread.  

Keauhou Farmers Market
Photo credit: afar.com

The Keauhou Farmers Market works with a number of local farm vendors to bring you the best in local quality produce.

When and where?

Every Saturday between 8–12pm at the Keauhou Shopping Center in front of Ace Hardware, 78-6831 Ali’i Drive, Kona. 

5. Hilo Farmers Market

Make sure you stop by the biggest and most popular farmers market on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hilo farmers market runs every weekday but it’s the ‘market days’ on Wednesday and Saturday – with over 200 farmers and local crafters selling fresh produce, crafts, gifts and assorted flowers – that make it a must-visit during your stay on the Big Island.

When and where?

The open market is now held on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo. Contained within the space of approximately 3 city blocks, the market has free parking nearby. The biggest (and best) days are Wednesday and Sunday. Get there early to get the best of the produce and the freshest flowers.

6. Waimea Town Farmers Market

Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

The Waimea Town farmers market runs every in front of the Parker School in the center of Waimea. The vendor’s stalls surround a grassy area  with picnic tables.

The Waimea Town farmers market is a great place to buy hot food and fresh produce.

When and where?

Saturdays between 7:30 am and noon in front of the Parker School in the center of Waimea.

8. Waimea Midweek Farmers Market

Photo credit: hawaiilife.com

Around 40 vendors selling everything from fresh produce, orchids, coffee, and arts and crafts.

When and where?

The midweek farmers market is held at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables every Wednesday between 9am-2pm.

Pukalani Stables is located at 67-139 Pukilani Road.

9. Maku'u Famers Market

Located in Pahoa, this is your one-stop shop for artisan goods, locally-cooked meals, and fresh produce. 

When and where?

Located just south of mile marker 7 on Hwy 130, in the parking lot of the of the Maku’u ke Kahua Community Center. 

Sundays between 8am – 2pm.

Support 100% Big Island!

Visiting a farmers market during your stay is not only a great way to sample the delights of the Big island but it’s also a great way to support the local community. 

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Restaurant review: Bianelli’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta 

Bianellis Kona
Photo credit: HawaiianIslands.com

Bianelli’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta is a family owned and operated restaurant that was first established in 1989. For over thirty years they have been using only the freshest ingredients available and supporting Big Island farms by using locally-sourced produce.

The restaurant is famed for its pizza crust. The crust has a thick edge, and is perhaps a little sweeter than traditional pizza crusts. Their pasta source is a combination of white wine mushroom sauce blended with marinara.

Bianellis is currently open Tuesday to Saturday. We arrived on a weekday in the early evening. The restaurant was already quite busy and we had no trouble getting a table outside. There is easy parking in front of KTA. The service was quick and efficient, and even though they had recently upgraded their payment software it was no problem to split the bill.

The menu

Bianelli’s offers a traditional Italian menu. From gourmet pizza, pasta dishes, calzones, sandwiches and salads – the menu is extensive.

What we ordered

(Above) The Gourmet Vegetarian – artichoke hearts, eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, onion and fresh basil. (12″) ($24.45)

(Above) Greek Salad – Locally-grown lettuce, green peppers, onions, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and garlic vinaigrette. ($15.95)

(Above) Bianelli’s Combo – Our fresh baked crust topped with mushroom, pepperoni, ham, sausage, green pepper and black olives. (12″) ($24.45)

Bianellis was a very relaxing dining experience – we were even visited by a friendly local chicken during our meal! (we assume it did not subsequently become part of the menu). Our dishes were tasty, although the pizza crust was sweeter than I would have liked and the artichokes dominated the flavor of the vegetarian pizza. However, overall Bianellis is a perfectly pleasant Italian restaurant.

Bianelli’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta

78-6831 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona

Hawaii 96740

Ph. 808 322 0377

Hours: Tues-Thurs 4 – 8pm, Fri-Sat 4pm – 8:30pm (closed Sun-Mon)

https://bianellis.com

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Your guide to shopping in Hilo

Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

We check out the best shopping destinations in Hilo. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect gift or souvenir, or just looking to escape a rainy day, we have the best options for retail therapy. 

1. Hilo Famers Market

Corner of Mama Street and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo

The Hilo farmers market is a must-visit attraction. First started in 1988, the Hilo farmers market began with only 4 vendors and grew rapidly. The open market is now held on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo. Contained within the space of approximately 3 city blocks, the market has free parking nearby. The biggest (and best) days are Wednesday and Sunday. Get there early to get the best of the produce and the freshest flowers.

The market opens at 6am and runs until 4pm. Most of the market is situated under large tents and includes sections with produce, food and flowers, as well as an arts, crafts and retail section. Deal direct with the farmers, the growers, the crafters and the bakers. And don’t miss out on the amazing range of food on offer from the food trucks. There is even an indoor food court

Whether you’re on the look-out for some locally-grown coffee or fresh fruit and vegetables, the market has a huge selection. Find jack fruit, longan, mangos, papayas, pineapples, rambutan, strawberries, white pineapples, dragon fruit, passion fruit, apple bananas, lychee, sapote and much more! Vegetables you’ll encounter include – baby ginger, bok choy, eggplant, taro, avocados, hydroponic lettuce, organic spinach, sweet corn and more.

2. Manono Street Marketplace

Photo credit: Roguegunn Works

681 Manono Street, Hilo

A nice collection of shops catering to locals and tourists. Stores include – Cupcakes, Boom!, The Full 9 Yards (home of the Braddapop and other snacks), Kilauea Kreations II (a fabric store) and Big Island Pearl Tea restaurant, among others.

3. Prince Kūhiō Plaza

Photo credit: Hawaii Tribune-Herald

111 E. Puainako Street, Hilo

The perfect place to spend a rainy Hilo afternoon! Browse the great selection of stores in the Big Island’s largest enclosed mall. The mall is spread out on one level, and includes Macy’s, Sears, the Hollywood Movie Theaters among the mall’s 72 stores.

For more information www.princekuhioplaza.com 

Photo credit: hawaiianislands.com

4. Basically Books

Stacey, Christine and Dave from Basically Books. Photo credit: bigislandpulse.com

334 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo

Basically Books has been in business for over 30 years. Not just a comprehensive book store, they also sell gifts and souvenirs. It’s also a community hub – they often have book readings, Hawaiian live music and other events.

Basically Books specializes in books about Hawaii, both current and classic, including history, mythology, fiction, travel guides, natural history, marine science, children’s books, and much more. There are also plenty of rare and out of print Hawaiiana books.

For more information www.basicallybooks.com

Photo credit: Ron Paul/HAWAIʻI Magazine

5. Big Island Candies

Photo credit: onlyinyourstate.com

585 Hunan Street, Hilo

What would a trip to Hilo be without a visit to the famous Big Island Candies location! Baked treats, chocolates and their famous chocolate-dipped shortbread are all available for purchase here. They also have free tours of the factory!

For more information www.bigislandcandies.com

Photo credit: hemispheresmag.com

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Walnut Maple Banana Cake

I enjoyed the combination of maple and banana so much in the muffins I made recently that I decided to try this as a cake, although this recipe does have eggs! The original recipe used a baking dish but I rather liked using the more traditional cake tin (if you do decide to use a baking dish it will bake faster, in about 30-35 minutes).

Ingredients

Cake

1 1/2 stick butter (softened)
1 c pure maple syrup
3 lg eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 c all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 c mashed bananas (2 large or 3 med)
3/4 c buttermilk

Frosting

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter (softened)
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 c walnuts (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Prepare a 9-inch cake tin. Line with baking paper, lightly oil.

In the bowl using a hand beater (or using a stand mixer) cream the butter until soft and light. Gradually add the maple syrup and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes more, or until light. The butter and maple syrup may separate slightly. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cute kitchen moment!

On duty during the making of the cake, is assistant chef Cleo – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via many cute poses. More Cleo and Ele

Add to the butter mixture along with the milk and mashed bananas.

Note: Buttermilk can be substituted for a mixture of ½ cup of yoghurt and a quarter cup of milk, adding more milk if the mixture is too thick. See photos below. 

Beat all ingredients on low speed just until combined.

Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Wait until the cake is completely cooled. Then in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter, maple syrup (increasing the amount of maple syrup until the right intensity has been achieved), then add vanilla and beat until smooth.

Frost cake and garnish with walnuts!

Maple is such a great flavor for a cake and is made even better by using it in the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

How did your cake turn out? Let us know in the comments below.

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Eggless Maple and Banana Muffins

This recipe combines maple and banana with great success. The muffins are made without using an egg and produce a light fluffy texture. Originally a cake recipe, this has been adapted for muffins.

Ingredients

2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) milk (at room temperature)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup
1 ripe banana, mashed (about 90 g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Using baking spray, generously grease one muffin tray (makes 12 muffins). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Put aside.

In a mixing bowl or jug, combine milk and vinegar. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. When it is ready, the milk will be slightly thickened. You should be able to see small curdled pieces. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy on medium-high speed. Do this for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula if needed. Next, add maple syrup, mashed banana and vanilla. Beat until combined.

Cute kitchen moment!

On duty during the making of the muffins, is assistant chef Cleo – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via many cute poses. More Cleo and Ele

With the speed on low, add half of the flour mixture. Scrape down the mixing bowl with a spatula and turn the batter over several times to ensure all of the ingredients are well mixed. Add milk mixture – continue beating to mix. Add the remaining flour and beat until just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour the cake mixture into the muffin tray. You may have some batter left over. Be careful not to overfill the muffin tray – this is something I (Angus) did! You can see in the photo below that I’ve overfilled the tray. Make sure each muffin mold is only filled to about 2/3 full. This is a cake recipe so the mixture will rise quite a lot. 

Bake until a skewer comes out clean when poked in the center. Baking times may vary but these muffins should take 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow muffins to cool before serving. (Optional: serve with whipped cream, adding 2/3 tablespoons of maple to the cream!).

 

My muffins overflowed and ended up flattening out (they were still delicious though). How did your muffins turn out? Let us know in the comments below.

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The 5 must-see waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Akaka Falls
Photo credit: nextishawaii.com

If you’re a fan of waterfalls then look no further than our list of the 5 must-see waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Big Island has some breathtaking waterfalls. Most of these are located near Hilo and along the Hāmākua Coast, and most are easily accessible. Enjoy the awesome power of these amazing natural wonders!

1. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls
Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

Rainbow Falls Park, 40 Rainbow Drive, Hilo

The Rainbow Falls are located on the Wailuku River, the longest river in the state. The park is located within the town of Hilo, so this makes it the most accessible of all the waterfalls on our list. If you only have time for one waterfall on your Big Island adventure, then this is it!

The falls drop 80 feet over a lava cave into the river below. It’s easily seen from the parking lot viewing area (see photo below), or if you’d like to see it up close you can hike to the top of the falls. The hike is less than a mile long.

The best viewing time is early on a sunny morning – this is the best time to see a rainbow!

Rainbow Falls
Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

2. Onomea Falls

Onomea Falls
Photo credit: world-of-waterfalls.com

Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden, 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Pāpa’ikou

Located within the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden, Onomea Falls drops gracefully down a number of different levels before eventually finding its way to Onomea Bay, north of Hilo.

Surrounded by an abundance of tropical vegetation, the best viewing spot for this waterfall is a small wooden bridge on the path to the waterfall.

Note: there is a small fee for entering the Botanical Garden in which the falls are located.

3. Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls
Photo credit: umaumaexperience.com

31-313 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalou

The Umauma Falls are three waterfalls located closely together on the Umauma River. The falls are found 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hāmākua Coast.

To view the falls, which are on private land and part of a botanical garden, you will need to pay an access fee. This is currently $12 per person. Access to the waterfall is managed by a company called Umauma Experience. They also offer a zipline tour and ATV tours of the gardens.

Alternatively, there are a number of helicopter tours that fly over the falls. This is also a great way to see the waterfalls. See our blog on helicopter tours.

UmaumaFalls
Photo credit: umaumaexperience.com

4. 'Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls
Photo credit: thatadventurelife.com

‘Akaka Falls State Park, 975 ‘Akaka Falls Road, Honomū

One of the most famous of all waterfalls in Hawai’i, ‘Akaka Falls are located just north of Hilo. They drop an incredible 422 feet into the gorge below, draining into Kolekole Stream. 

Access to the falls is via an easy half mile hike through some beautiful lush rainforest on an easy path. Great views of the falls can be had at the midway point on the hike (see photo below). This hike is suitable for all levels of fitness and takes about half an hour at a slow pace.

Admission to the park is $5 per car, or $1 per person for pedestrians.

Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

5. Hi'ilawe Falls

Hiilawe Falls
Photo credit: Hawaii-guide.com

Waipi’o Valley Lookout, 48-5546 Waipi’o Valley Road, Waimea

The Hi’ilawe Falls are one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. The height of the falls is 1,450 feet. It is not possible to hike directly to the waterfall but you can view the falls from a number of places within the valley itself. Due to access now being closed to non-residents, it is only possible to access the valley as part of a tour, like those offered by Waipio Valley Shuttle.

Hiilawe Falls
Photo credit: hawaii-zip.com
Waipio Valley Coast
Photo credit: lovebigisland.com

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Restaurant review: Keei Cafe

Keei Cafe Front
Photo credit: HawaiianIslands.com

Keei Cafe is a family owned restaurant specializing in American-Hawaiian fusion dishes. Located in Kealakekua, this restaurant has been a local favorite since 1995. It was originally in Honaunau but has been at its current address since 2005.

The owners source as much of their menu from local ingredients to prepare creative and delicious dishes with nightly specials.

Keei Cafe is currently open 5pm-9pm, Tues-Sat. We arrived on a weekday in the early evening. The restaurant was almost empty and we didn’t have to wait for a table. There is easy parking around the back of the restaurant.

There are plenty of tables and plenty of airflow. There is a separate dining area for large groups and smaller tables on a balcony area facing the highway. On the evening we were there a musical duo were playing – unfortunately, this combined with the wooden floors and more diners, meant there was quite a lot of noise and it did reduce the enjoyment of the space somewhat.

The menu

The menu is a mix of American-Hawaiian flavors. Choose from appetizers like eggplant rolls, ahi poke nachos and baked brie. As well as salads with locally grown ingredients there are pork chops, seafood pasta and spicy fajitas. Dessert options include, warm tropical bread pudding and warm macadamia nut pie.

What we ordered

(Above) Vegetarian Black Bean Soup. A hearty housemade soup topped with sour cream and fresh salsa. Served with a warm tortilla ($8.95).

(Above) Caprese Salad. Local vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, tender basil leaves, sweet maui onions drizzled in extra virgin olive oil, and our housemade balsamic reduction glaze ($10.95)

(Above) Roasted Half Chicken. Experience Keei Cafe’s yellow Thai curry sauce or white wine peppercorn gravy, with your choice of white or brown rice, whipped potatoes & a vegetable medley ($25.95).

(Above) Cioppino-Fisherman’s Stew. An assortment of fresh seafood including mussels, shrimp, scallops, squid, and fresh fish in a rich tomato/white wine broth. Served with crusty bread ($13.95).

(Above) Pasta Primavera. Your choice of chicken or tofu with sauteed vegetables, smothered in a basil pesto or marinara sauce and topped with grated parmesan cheese ($21.95).

Keei Cafe 15

(Above) Warm Lava Flow. Rich chocolate flourless cake with a molten chocolate center. Served with seasonal sauce, chocolate and caramel drizzle ($7.95).

Keei Cafe was a relaxing dining experience, however it did get a little loud with the musical duo’s performance. Our dishes were tasty, although the vegetarian black bean soup was lacking in flavor. Overall Keei Cafe is the perfect spot for dinner in Kealakekua.

Keei Cafe

79-7511 Mamalahoa Highway

Kealakekua

Hawaii 96750

Ph. 808 322 9992

Hours: Tues-Sat, 5pm – 9pm (closed Sun-Mon)

https://www.opentable.com/keei-cafe

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Horizon’s LEGO Star Wars Collection: AT-AT 75313

The LEGO AT-AT 75313 is a huge set with an incredible amount of detail. There are a large number of minifigures, and the set has fully adjustable legs. I modified it further with extra minifigures, a display case, lighting, and a diorama snow scene featuring more minifigures and speeders.

The LEGO AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport), as featured in the Battle of Hoth, includes legs that are adjustable (at two positions on each leg) and a head that also rotates. The front cannons have a realistic firing action to them, and there’s even a ‘rope’ from which to attach Luke Skywalker on the underside of the AT-AT.

The AT-AT measures 24.5 inches high and 27 inches long. It features multiple removable panels in order to easily view the interior. The main body has the capacity to fit 40 LEGO minifigures and 4 speeder bikes. Within the cockpit of the head is room for three minifigures.

The set includes the following minifigures:

General Veers, Luke Skywalker, Snowtrooper Commander, 4 Snowtroopers and 2 AT-AT drivers.

This set is a huge – 6,785 pieces! The plan for this set was to order a custom display case with a printed Hoth planet background and a white surface on which the AT-AT would stand. To complete the diorama I would add the AT-ST and a collection of speeder bikes, snow troopers and rebel alliance figures to the scene. And finally, I would light the entire AT-AT by using a custom lighting kit which I would then modify further.

The Build

I worked on the build over the course of multiple weeks but not continuously, and sometimes only for short periods at a time. LEGO estimates the build time for this set to be between 18-19 hours.

The build was relatively straightforward, beginning with each of the legs. This process became a little bit repetitive. I found building the main part of the set more enjoyable. There are a lot of interesting features and clever detail in this build and it was fun to construct. It was also great to discover how the engineering allowed for the set to become freestanding. 

The legs can be adjusted in order to pose the model as if it were in motion. This requires a gadget that is part of the build and makes the process highly interactive. 

Despite knowing the size of the finished model before I started, it was still a shock to see how BIG it actually is. It’s massive. The fact it can hold up to 40 minifigures in the main body – AND four speeder bikes – is amazing.

The construction techniques used to connect the main body to the head are astonishing. It almost shouldn’t work since the head is so bulky, but somehow it does. There is not an actual interior tunnel between the head and body in which the minifigures could walk through but this doesn’t detract from the overall effect. 

The option to display the set with or without the panels is a great one. They are easy to remove and I found no issue with them remaining in place as some other reviews have highlighted.

AT-AT Lego 75313
AT-AT Lego 75313
AT-AT Lego 75313
AT-AT Lego 75313
AT-AT Lego 75313

The stickers that are used in this set look great. Sometimes stickers in LEGO sets don’t always work well, but here the stickers are used to represent the background lighting, and it gives the interior of the body a real feeling of depth.

AT-AT Lego 75313

Modifications

The first major modification to the set was a simple one. I wanted to fill the main body with as many stormtroopers as possible. This meant purchasing a number of Snowtrooper Battle Packs (75320) and filling up the empty seats. 

AT-AT Lego 75313

Lighting the AT-AT proved a little more challenging. I found a custom made set for this model but the method they used to rig the lighting was too complicated, and it resulted in lighting that was too bright. I rewired the model and placed the lights in locations that reduced some of the glare that can happen with the LED lights on these models. Pro tip: the key is to light the model but not make it difficult to look at!

The display case and diorama

The display case is from Wicked Brick who have created an amazing case for this set. With a Hoth planet background and a white acrylic base plate, the AT-AT sits comfortably in four cut-outs designed for each of the four feet.

There was plenty of room around the AT-AT to create an interesting battle scene as well as room for the AT-ST (75322). More low-lighting may be added at some point to brighten the ‘snow’ in the diorama.

Overall the AT-AT was a fun and satisfying build. Expanding the impact of the set by creating my own diorama was also worth the extra work. The lighting brings the model to life and the display case is a great way to keep the set secure and also dust-free.

Look out for future blogs on our LEGO collection. We have a number of sets waiting to be built and will feature them as they’re constructed.

 

Angus
Horizon Guest House

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